69 We Stand, We Fall, We Die Together (1/2)

Jiayi's eyes narrowed as he observed his fire attack disappearing within the air in matters of seconds.

”Is this how you treat someone who helped you?”

His voice was raspy and accusing, but Hongyue accepted his words without any guilt in her heart. Instead, his accusation made Hongyue smile, ”Third Prince, the exact words I believe you said was 'investment.' Since you don't seem to know, I'll be understanding and remind you of something. Some investments don't benefit the investor. How unfortunate.”

Jiayi seemed taken back by her answer, his body instantly tensed.

”Is this a threat?”

With a shake of her wrist, Hongyue retracted the whip back to her side. She seemed to have lost interest in teasing him, ”That was merely a reminder not to get to close to me. Next time I find one of your people shadowing me, not even their soul will leave my hands. Clear?”

Hongyue snapped the whip back into a bracelet and slid it back on to her wrist. Her eyes focused on Jiayi, ”Being an important character in the royal court, I assume you're well-informed. What are your father's next steps?”

Jiayi narrowed his eyes at her bracelet. Where has he seen that before?

”You set the show for my brother.”

His words were bland but straight to the point.

Hongyue smirked. She had been contemplating for a while. If the royal family were so keen on keeping her alive yet not intervene a hand when she was suffering, they must know exactly how she suffered day by day. Her eyes sharpened.

Who was to say that the royal family didn't have a hand in her poisoning? Seeing their abilities and power, nothing was impossible. After all, their words could be masking their secret intentions.

Although Jiayi didn't get an answer from Hongyue, he seemed to know what she meant already. Jiayi shook his head, ”My father doesn't have any hand in this.”

An understanding smirk spread played on Hongyue's lips,” Oh?”

Jiayi frowned at her unexpected tone of voice, ”You have to be more careful of my royal brother.”

Hongyue's smirk grew wider, ”Are you being nice to me? If you're worried for me, then send out an edict for me by tomorrow morning. Give me the first move.”

Jiayi pursed his lips but he didn't refuse.

*************